The “Fast Can’t Last” Weight Loss Myth

It’s one of the most deeply entrenched and persistent myths about weight loss.  It’s even on the CDC website:

“People who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1-2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off.”

Turns out that it is truly a myth that doesn’t hold up at all to scientific scrutiny, according to a new randomized controlled study published in the journal Obesity.

The authors found that with the rate of weight loss, fast or slow, has zero effect on whether a person can maintain their loss.

It is true however, that we all lose at different rates – some dramatically quick, others more slowly.  Dr. Casazza, in the New England Journal of Medicine, describes the phenomenon perfectly:  “Although it is not clear why some obese persons have a greater initial weight loss than others do, a recommendation to lose weight more slowly might interfere with the ultimate success of weight-loss efforts.”

We’d agree based on what we see with our patients in Kailua and Honolulu.  It might be that a quick initial drop in weight is truly healthiest for the body, OR perhaps it motivates dieters to continue their efforts.  Regardless of the reason, keeping weight is clearly NOT about how slow you go, it’s about the method, coaching, and long-term dieter education. This is why OSR Weight Management here in Kailua is offering you just that, contact us today to set up your first appointment!

Read more here:

http://conscienhealth.org/2016/01/the-fast-cant-last-weight-loss-myth/

Scroll to Top